Community Development Corporation Grant

The Community Development Corporation Grant is offered by the City of Akron, Ohio through its Department of Planning and Urban Development as part of its administration of federal Community Development Block Grant funding. This program is designed to distribute financial support to local nonprofit Community Development Corporations operating within the city. These organizations are community-based entities that focus on revitalization efforts in underserved neighborhoods, often addressing economic development, housing, infrastructure, and social services. The City has allocated a total of 500,000 dollars for this funding opportunity, with individual awards structured as grants tied to performance milestones and reporting requirements. The primary purpose of the program is to promote population growth and increase tax revenue by investing in projects that revitalize and repurpose vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings. The program also emphasizes improvements to place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and the delivery of public services. Through these investments, the City seeks to create conditions that attract new residents, support business creation and expansion, and provide enhanced resources for neighborhoods across Akron. The funding is intended to align with federal Community Development Block Grant objectives, including benefiting low- and moderate-income populations, eliminating blight, or addressing urgent community needs. Eligible applicants are restricted to nonprofit Community Development Corporations that hold 501(c)(3) status and are physically located within Akron city limits. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with federal funding requirements, maintain good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier. Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of organizational capacity, including documentation of at least three previously completed projects within their service area. These requirements ensure that awarded organizations have the experience and infrastructure necessary to successfully implement funded projects. Funding may be used across several project categories, including housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, public services, historic preservation, and commercial or industrial rehabilitation. However, restrictions apply to ensure responsible use of funds. No more than 25 percent of awarded funds may be used for operational expenses, and projects must comply with federal regulations such as Davis-Bacon labor standards when applicable. For construction-related projects, additional requirements include securing multiple bids, adhering to prevailing wage laws, and complying with the Build America Buy America Act provisions regarding domestically produced materials. The application process requires submission of a detailed proposal including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting documentation. Required attachments include proof of nonprofit status, organizational charts, financial statements, board member listings, and documentation of insurance and compliance certifications. Applicants must also demonstrate how their proposed project meets at least one federal national objective and describe expected outcomes, target populations, and methods for tracking performance. Applications must be submitted as an original plus two copies to the City of Akron’s Planning Department. Applications for this funding cycle are due by January 9, 2026. Following submission, proposals will undergo a scoring and review process between January 20 and January 23, 2026. Awards will be evaluated based on completeness, alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, project impact, and budget justification. The grant performance period is defined as January 1 through December 31, 2026, during which recipients must complete their projects and fulfill all reporting obligations. Reimbursements are issued based on documented expenses, and recipients are required to submit monthly progress reports along with a final evaluation report. This grant program is structured as a recurring municipal funding opportunity tied to annual federal allocations. It reflects the City of Akron’s broader strategy to support neighborhood revitalization through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations. By leveraging federal funding at the local level, the program aims to create sustainable community improvements and long-term economic growth while ensuring accountability through structured oversight, reporting, and compliance requirements.

Ensure project clearly meets HUD national objectives especially LMI benefit; demonstrate prior project success and organizational capacity; provide detailed realistic budget with matching funds secured; clearly define measurable outcomes and tracking methods